Canada Post is preparing to lock out postal workers.
The Canadian Union of Public Employees says union members were handed notices just hours after the union issued a 72-hour strike notice Tuesday morning.
Canada Post wants talks on a new contract reached by 8 a.m. Friday.
“The ongoing possibility of a labour disruption has been significantly eroding Canada Post’s volumes and escalating the negative financial impact on the company,” a Canada Post release states.
“Canada Post has notified the union and CUPW-represented employees that unless new agreements are reached, the current collective agreements will no longer apply as of Friday. The Corporation will then be in a position, using the means provided in the Canada Labour Code, to adjust operations based on its operational realities and business needs.”
“Our goal has always been to reach negotiated collective agreements that support the long-term success of our public post office while addressing the real issues our members face daily,” says Jan Simpson, CUPW National President.
“Canada Post has the ability to make that happen without any job action, but it needs to come to the bargaining table and resolve both new and longstanding issues.”
Contract talks between CUPW and Canada Post have been ongoing for almost a year.
Wages, working conditions and the introduction of new services, including weekend mail delivery, are some of the key issues.
